Auto-locate Operation for Underground Utility Line Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground line locator systems require manual selection and activation of transmitters, which can be inefficient and prone to errors, especially when locating specific underground utility lines over large areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a network-connected device and server to automatically determine and activate the appropriate line locate transmitter based on the user's geographic location, allowing for efficient and precise location of underground lines through internet communication and database comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual selection and activation of transmitters is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the operation efficiency decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic transmitter selection and activation based on the user's geographic location. The mobile device determines its own location, queries the server for appropriate transmitters, and automatically activates them without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by automating the process, thereby improving operation efficiency while the server handles the complexity of transmitter management.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between mobile devices and transmitters. The server receives location information from mobile devices, determines which transmitters are appropriate based on geographic data, and activates them automatically. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complexity of transmitter selection and activation logic on the server, allowing mobile devices to operate efficiently without directly managing transmitter complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic transmitter activation based on geographic location is implemented, then operation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically determines its own geographic location using GPS or other location services, queries the server for appropriate transmitters, and initiates activation without requiring user input. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation by eliminating manual transmitter selection, while the server absorbs the computational complexity of matching locations to transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of selecting and activating transmitters is replaced with an automated electronic system. The system uses geographic location data, database queries, and automated communication protocols to select and activate transmitters, substituting the manual mechanical interaction with an automated information-processing system that improves ease of operation while managing complexity through software architecture.
3Productivity
If multiple transmitters are distributed geographically and controlled manually, then the system can cover large areas, but the time required to locate lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server pre-establishes a database mapping geographic locations to appropriate transmitters before field operations begin. When a mobile device queries the server with its location, the server can immediately retrieve and activate the appropriate transmitter without requiring time-consuming manual search or selection. This preliminary preparation of location-transmitter mappings resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid transmitter activation across distributed geographic areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the mobile device continuously provides its geographic location to the server, which then activates the appropriate transmitter based on real-time location data. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct transmitter is always activated for the current location, enabling rapid line location across large areas without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and accurate activation of the correct transmitter for line location, improving efficiency and reducing errors by automating the process of selecting the appropriate transmitter for the user's location, thereby enhancing the utility line detection process.
Implementation Method 1
The target conductor then generates an electromagnetic field at the active locate frequency in response to the current signal
Implementation Method 2
The receiver detects and processes signals resulting from the electromagnetic field generated by the target conductor
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a system includes a line locator and a device configured to communicate through an internet with a server also coupled to the internet. Furthermore, a plurality of line locate transmitters are distributed geographically and configured to communicate through the internet with the server. The server operates to activate one of the plurality of line locate transmitters based on a geographic location of the device.